Oak Tree
quercus robur
Oh mighty Oak, standing tall and magnificent, you are the gentle giant of the forest reminding us that we are never alone.
Tree Identification:
Acorns Field Guide Chart, by Kate Dolamore Art.
There are approximately 600 species of oaks, and they grow all over the world from Africa to China, but the largest number of species are here in North America.
Oak trees are long living, slow growing trees that once rooted can live for well over 100 years, the wood is extremely hard and dense and due to its slow burn rate became known for making good charcoal.
In older times Oak also became the main wood used for the construction of houses, churches and ships because it was so strong and durable--thus the name "The Mighty Oak". The problem was that it was favoured so much that in Elizabethan times, a law had to be passed to protect the Oak,in order that it could re-establish itself for fear that it was being so over harvested it might go extinct!
Leaves and bark:
Oak leaves have a very unique shape to them, not really seen anywhere else which is why they are rarely if never mistaken for something else.
Each leaf is long in nature and spreads out from the top on ovate bumps.
In spring, the oak tree produces both male flowers (in the form of catkins) and small female flowers.
The leaves and bark of the Oak are the main parts to be used medicinally with the juice from crushed Oak leaves being directly placed onto wounds and the leaves soaked in boiling water, allow to cool and the liquid used to relieve tired and inflamed eyes.
Oak trees are long living, slow growing trees that once rooted can live for well over 100 years, the wood is extremely hard and dense and due to its slow burn rate became known for making good charcoal.
In older times Oak also became the main wood used for the construction of houses, churches and ships because it was so strong and durable--thus the name "The Mighty Oak". The problem was that it was favoured so much that in Elizabethan times, a law had to be passed to protect the Oak,in order that it could re-establish itself for fear that it was being so over harvested it might go extinct!
Leaves and bark:
Oak leaves have a very unique shape to them, not really seen anywhere else which is why they are rarely if never mistaken for something else.
Each leaf is long in nature and spreads out from the top on ovate bumps.
In spring, the oak tree produces both male flowers (in the form of catkins) and small female flowers.
The leaves and bark of the Oak are the main parts to be used medicinally with the juice from crushed Oak leaves being directly placed onto wounds and the leaves soaked in boiling water, allow to cool and the liquid used to relieve tired and inflamed eyes.
Use the same lotion for any cuts and burns and as a mouthwash for bleeding gums and for haemorrhoids, varicose veins and as a gargle for sore throats. A decoction of the bark can also be used for reducing diarrhoea, dysentery, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis and fevers.
Acorns:
The Oak will take 70-80 years before it begins to produce acorns.The fruit is what we know as the acorn, and each one contains one seed (and sometimes two or three) Each acorn takes 6–18 months to mature, depending on their species, and contain tannic acid, which helps to guard them from fungi and insects. he acorns can be used for eating, but only after the tannins have been leached from them, otherwise they are very bitter. For this reason acorns are mostly leached and ground into flour for baking, as opposed to being eaten as nuts. A coffee substitute can be made from acorn kernels, just chop them up and roast them to a light brown colour, then grind them up and roast them again and you are ready to brew some coffee.
In old folklore it is said that in years when there are a lot of acorns it meant a hard winter was coming.
Acorns:
The Oak will take 70-80 years before it begins to produce acorns.The fruit is what we know as the acorn, and each one contains one seed (and sometimes two or three) Each acorn takes 6–18 months to mature, depending on their species, and contain tannic acid, which helps to guard them from fungi and insects. he acorns can be used for eating, but only after the tannins have been leached from them, otherwise they are very bitter. For this reason acorns are mostly leached and ground into flour for baking, as opposed to being eaten as nuts. A coffee substitute can be made from acorn kernels, just chop them up and roast them to a light brown colour, then grind them up and roast them again and you are ready to brew some coffee.
In old folklore it is said that in years when there are a lot of acorns it meant a hard winter was coming.
magic and Folklore:
Acorn love divination
In ancient Greece, there was a sacred grove of oak trees known for their reputation in the area of prophesy, and this grove was the most hallowed and sacred grove of trees at that time; it was also dedicated to the moon goddess Diana. In those times, her priestesses were oracles who would enter the grove and gather prophesy for the community from the ancient oak trees. As time went on, this sacred gift was taken from the priestesses and given over to the priests, with a new story that told people that the priests had always been the only ones with this gift, as it came directly from god, and, once again, the goddess was sent to the Underworld, unseen and unheard.
Eventually, most trees from this ancient grove were taken and used in the building of ships, as it was said that the beams of the prow could send out a warning whenever danger was near. Small Oak talismans were also worn by men at sea, as it was through to keep the boat from being struck by lightning.
"Sing for the oak tree
The Monarch of the wood;
Sing for the oak tree
That groweth broad and good;
That groweth green and branching
Within the forest shade;
That groweth now, and yet shall grow
When we are lowly laid."
Extract from 'The Oak Tree' by Mary Howitt
In Western Europe, the mighty oak once covered all the fields and landscape, and although they have mostly all been cut down, myths and legends still live on about the protective and heroic qualities of the oak though form folklore around the fairy folk
"Fae folk live in the oak" as they were thought to live deep in the lush branches and leaves, wear acorn caps on their heads and that if an oak had a hole in it, it was a fairy hole either that or haunted--and it was best not to poke around finding out.
Eventually however the mighty oak was at risk of being over harvested and so a law was made that no one was to cut these trees down, and along with this came folklore that said if you cut one down it would scream in agony,and there was a fine of one cow for cutting one down in Ireland.
A simple love divination comes form the old lore that if you float two acorn ops in a bowl of water one for each lover, and they floated close to one another there would be a marriage, but if they drifted part then the relationship would also drift away...
There was also quite a bit of folklore around the Oak being hit by lightning, as it was through that the hit more often then other trees, perhaps this was due to it's size and girth?
Many people believed this and were warned not to seek shelter under an oak tree during a storm, however if you came across an oak that had been hit by lightning it was considered good luck to carry a small piece of the char as a talisman for luck and safety.
Wands were also often made from oak that had been struck by lightening, believing lightning would not string twice in the same place, and these small charms were used as talismans for protection.
Druid's wands were also often carved with and oak leaves and many family crests and emblems in both Ireland and England have the symbol of Oak leaves to state that their clan are strong like the Mighty oak.
The Norse God Thor was also deeply connected to the Oak, and children were told to never have a picnic under an old oak tree on Thursday-Thor's day--as they might get struck by lightning.
The goddess Bridget, and her more Christian counterpart, St. Brigid, founded a retreat called the Cell Of The Holy Oak, designed specifically for spiritual woman/nuns in Kildare, Ireland. It is said that here, the nuns perpetually burn acorns on their sacred and holy fires. Of course, it is common knowledge that this sacred place was originally a place of the goddess.
In Greece the oak was known as the mother of all humans because she fed them with her acorns and honey, and many goddesses including the three fates were known to be crowned with wreaths of oak leaves. Many monasteries and holy places were also said to be built using oak and in oak groves to keep them safe.
Brigid was specifically associated with the Oak and the Rowan tree, as she carried fiery arrows with which to defend the land, made from each of them.
An acorn necklace was also said to have magical workings, and was worn during journeywork or celebrations as an aid in contacting the feminine energies of the earth. Such a necklace was also said to invoke the woodland goddess Diana, for times when we need to be in touch with our inner heroine.
As we move in the wheel of the year, we can drawn on the rich history that the oak gives us for some of the celebrations, one of them being Lammas, where it is said that the moon and oak goddess Diana leads the hunt in preparation for the changing of the season. In pagan times, crowns of oak leaves were worn to celebrate harvest time, and later, as the season moved into autumn, and the acorns ripened, they provided rich fattening food for the small animals of the forest. Humans too gathered them for grinding into flour and craft purposes.
The goddess Triduana had symbols of water and oak, and in Scotland, this goddess rules over sacred water sources, from which she selflessly gives her elixir. Many of Her wells are said to dwell beneath oak trees, ancient symbols of protection and well-being.
Yes the oak is truly a majestic and abundant tree, and many times I have sought refuge under the large overreaching branches and leaned into the trunk of a local oak, as they are deeply grounding trees and if you speak to them, they give very grounded wisdom
Eventually, most trees from this ancient grove were taken and used in the building of ships, as it was said that the beams of the prow could send out a warning whenever danger was near. Small Oak talismans were also worn by men at sea, as it was through to keep the boat from being struck by lightning.
"Sing for the oak tree
The Monarch of the wood;
Sing for the oak tree
That groweth broad and good;
That groweth green and branching
Within the forest shade;
That groweth now, and yet shall grow
When we are lowly laid."
Extract from 'The Oak Tree' by Mary Howitt
In Western Europe, the mighty oak once covered all the fields and landscape, and although they have mostly all been cut down, myths and legends still live on about the protective and heroic qualities of the oak though form folklore around the fairy folk
"Fae folk live in the oak" as they were thought to live deep in the lush branches and leaves, wear acorn caps on their heads and that if an oak had a hole in it, it was a fairy hole either that or haunted--and it was best not to poke around finding out.
Eventually however the mighty oak was at risk of being over harvested and so a law was made that no one was to cut these trees down, and along with this came folklore that said if you cut one down it would scream in agony,and there was a fine of one cow for cutting one down in Ireland.
A simple love divination comes form the old lore that if you float two acorn ops in a bowl of water one for each lover, and they floated close to one another there would be a marriage, but if they drifted part then the relationship would also drift away...
There was also quite a bit of folklore around the Oak being hit by lightning, as it was through that the hit more often then other trees, perhaps this was due to it's size and girth?
Many people believed this and were warned not to seek shelter under an oak tree during a storm, however if you came across an oak that had been hit by lightning it was considered good luck to carry a small piece of the char as a talisman for luck and safety.
Wands were also often made from oak that had been struck by lightening, believing lightning would not string twice in the same place, and these small charms were used as talismans for protection.
Druid's wands were also often carved with and oak leaves and many family crests and emblems in both Ireland and England have the symbol of Oak leaves to state that their clan are strong like the Mighty oak.
The Norse God Thor was also deeply connected to the Oak, and children were told to never have a picnic under an old oak tree on Thursday-Thor's day--as they might get struck by lightning.
The goddess Bridget, and her more Christian counterpart, St. Brigid, founded a retreat called the Cell Of The Holy Oak, designed specifically for spiritual woman/nuns in Kildare, Ireland. It is said that here, the nuns perpetually burn acorns on their sacred and holy fires. Of course, it is common knowledge that this sacred place was originally a place of the goddess.
In Greece the oak was known as the mother of all humans because she fed them with her acorns and honey, and many goddesses including the three fates were known to be crowned with wreaths of oak leaves. Many monasteries and holy places were also said to be built using oak and in oak groves to keep them safe.
Brigid was specifically associated with the Oak and the Rowan tree, as she carried fiery arrows with which to defend the land, made from each of them.
An acorn necklace was also said to have magical workings, and was worn during journeywork or celebrations as an aid in contacting the feminine energies of the earth. Such a necklace was also said to invoke the woodland goddess Diana, for times when we need to be in touch with our inner heroine.
As we move in the wheel of the year, we can drawn on the rich history that the oak gives us for some of the celebrations, one of them being Lammas, where it is said that the moon and oak goddess Diana leads the hunt in preparation for the changing of the season. In pagan times, crowns of oak leaves were worn to celebrate harvest time, and later, as the season moved into autumn, and the acorns ripened, they provided rich fattening food for the small animals of the forest. Humans too gathered them for grinding into flour and craft purposes.
The goddess Triduana had symbols of water and oak, and in Scotland, this goddess rules over sacred water sources, from which she selflessly gives her elixir. Many of Her wells are said to dwell beneath oak trees, ancient symbols of protection and well-being.
Yes the oak is truly a majestic and abundant tree, and many times I have sought refuge under the large overreaching branches and leaned into the trunk of a local oak, as they are deeply grounding trees and if you speak to them, they give very grounded wisdom
Hedgecrossing with Oak:
The oak is a generous tree and one that brings easy feelings of comfort and protection when standing under or leaning against it's large trunk. The Oak has an energy of ease and that of grandfatherly love and safety to it.
When working with the Oak it is always nice to bring offerings from the heart rather then what one might think of as being more practical with regards to pruning {unless the tree is still very small and in need of help for it's growth} or offerings such as sweets or medicines. The oak loves small trinkets or crystals tucked into it's bark or small holes, and often trees will grow around objects claiming them for itself.
Good wisdom teaching to ask the Oak tree for are around things like abundance and prosperity, as well as health and strength.
Oak/Duir Tree Ogam: The Oak ogam is all about health and inner strength, fortification and within in this healing and developing inner potency, and resilience. The oak ogam is also for luck and abundance. If you are wqorkign iwht a set either of stave's or cards etc, and pull this ogam upright it means that things are about to change for you in this area, and that a door is going to be opening for you in this regard, and now is the time to take it.
if you pull it reversed, these are things that you might be on the watch for, perhaps becoming a bit more frugal with money and taking better care of your health in general. Carry acorns with you better if carved with the ogam on one as a daily reminder of your own inner strength and resiliency.
When working with the Oak it is always nice to bring offerings from the heart rather then what one might think of as being more practical with regards to pruning {unless the tree is still very small and in need of help for it's growth} or offerings such as sweets or medicines. The oak loves small trinkets or crystals tucked into it's bark or small holes, and often trees will grow around objects claiming them for itself.
Good wisdom teaching to ask the Oak tree for are around things like abundance and prosperity, as well as health and strength.
Oak/Duir Tree Ogam: The Oak ogam is all about health and inner strength, fortification and within in this healing and developing inner potency, and resilience. The oak ogam is also for luck and abundance. If you are wqorkign iwht a set either of stave's or cards etc, and pull this ogam upright it means that things are about to change for you in this area, and that a door is going to be opening for you in this regard, and now is the time to take it.
if you pull it reversed, these are things that you might be on the watch for, perhaps becoming a bit more frugal with money and taking better care of your health in general. Carry acorns with you better if carved with the ogam on one as a daily reminder of your own inner strength and resiliency.
Recipes and magic Making:
In ancient times Druids made a distilled water from the flower buds to cleanse the internal organs, and they also collected what they felt to be sacred water that they found in the hollows of the oak trunk and used this ritually to cleanse and prepare themselves for the midsummer festival.
It is considered to be a very magical and sacred thing thing to find a pool of water hidden within the boughs of an Oak tree tree, for it contains all of the magical properties, both spiritual and medicinal, so if you should ever find one--make sure to gather it and treasure it as holy water.
This reminds me of how weddings were also often performed under Oak trees, as they were considered to be holy places--temples as it were, so perhaps this is why the monks made their monasteries in Oak groves and with Oak wood all those years ago?
Another magical part of the oak tree are the Oak apples, or Oak galls. These are the gnarled knots found at the ends of branches which sometimes fall form the tree, but when used magically, they can be carved into talismans or it is said that if you place several in a bowl of water under the bed of someone who suspects they have been bewitched they can tell if the galls sank to the bottom, however if they floated, they were alright.
Oak tree Divination:
Summarized from the book The Witching tree by Corrine Boyer
On the full moon closest to midsummers eve, if you wish to ask an oak tree a question, you mist do the following:
First find a haunted oak tree {these have holes in them} and if you can find one close to a water source--this is even better!
You must seek the trees permission and move on it it is not granted.
You must wear no metal or iron and bring offerings of cakes and cream and sugar, these must be placed at the roots of the tree.
Once this is done you need to have written your question on a piece of paper using black ink and wrapped it in black cloth.
Once you are ready choose a branch and tie the paper onto the tree, making sure it is as hidden as possible.
Now sit with your back against the tree and go into a trance or journey to the spirit of the tree and ask the spirit if they will help you. if they say no, thank them and politely move on, if yes, Oak tree wisdom is a blessing and a gift--so be sure to say thank you!
Also only do this once per year....
It is considered to be a very magical and sacred thing thing to find a pool of water hidden within the boughs of an Oak tree tree, for it contains all of the magical properties, both spiritual and medicinal, so if you should ever find one--make sure to gather it and treasure it as holy water.
This reminds me of how weddings were also often performed under Oak trees, as they were considered to be holy places--temples as it were, so perhaps this is why the monks made their monasteries in Oak groves and with Oak wood all those years ago?
Another magical part of the oak tree are the Oak apples, or Oak galls. These are the gnarled knots found at the ends of branches which sometimes fall form the tree, but when used magically, they can be carved into talismans or it is said that if you place several in a bowl of water under the bed of someone who suspects they have been bewitched they can tell if the galls sank to the bottom, however if they floated, they were alright.
Oak tree Divination:
Summarized from the book The Witching tree by Corrine Boyer
On the full moon closest to midsummers eve, if you wish to ask an oak tree a question, you mist do the following:
First find a haunted oak tree {these have holes in them} and if you can find one close to a water source--this is even better!
You must seek the trees permission and move on it it is not granted.
You must wear no metal or iron and bring offerings of cakes and cream and sugar, these must be placed at the roots of the tree.
Once this is done you need to have written your question on a piece of paper using black ink and wrapped it in black cloth.
Once you are ready choose a branch and tie the paper onto the tree, making sure it is as hidden as possible.
Now sit with your back against the tree and go into a trance or journey to the spirit of the tree and ask the spirit if they will help you. if they say no, thank them and politely move on, if yes, Oak tree wisdom is a blessing and a gift--so be sure to say thank you!
Also only do this once per year....
Recipes:
I adore baking with acorn flour, (when I can get my hands on it that is) and have listed some great resources for not only baking with it, but also making acorn flour, if you have the patience!
Acorn Honey Cake
Nikiah's autumn altar
This delicious cake is a morph from my favourite recipe for Honey cake from an old favourite cookbook of mine called Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros.
In this recipe I take her honey cake recipe and swap out a significant amount of the normal flour for acorn flour, and add a wee bit of Molasses to deepen the autumn flavour.
However if you are making this cake in the summer, leave out the molasses and add Lavender buds--trust me--this is the original way and you will love both!!
I made this batch into small acorn shaped cakes, but any bundt pan or square cooking pan will do :]
Ingredients:
1/4 pound plus 3 tbsp's of butter
1/4 cup dark brown sugar--1/2 if you are not going to use Molasses
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup Honey
1.5 tbsp water
3/4 cup acorn Flour
3/4 cup all purpose flour or Gluten free
1.5 tsp Baking powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
2tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup Lavender buds-if omitting molasses in the summer time
2 eggs beaten
If making a cake in a pan--this frosting is the BEST due tot he dryness of the cake:
3 cups icing sugar
7 tbsp soft butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 pinch salt
Sprinkle lavender buds on top.
Instructions:
Grease pan or mold if using something like i did with the small acorns above.
mix all of the wet ingredients along with eggs together
add butter and mix
Lastly mix dry ingredients together and sift into wet mixture adding spices
Bake at 350 for approx 40 mins or until a knife comes out clean.
Add frosting and enjoy!
In this recipe I take her honey cake recipe and swap out a significant amount of the normal flour for acorn flour, and add a wee bit of Molasses to deepen the autumn flavour.
However if you are making this cake in the summer, leave out the molasses and add Lavender buds--trust me--this is the original way and you will love both!!
I made this batch into small acorn shaped cakes, but any bundt pan or square cooking pan will do :]
Ingredients:
1/4 pound plus 3 tbsp's of butter
1/4 cup dark brown sugar--1/2 if you are not going to use Molasses
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup Honey
1.5 tbsp water
3/4 cup acorn Flour
3/4 cup all purpose flour or Gluten free
1.5 tsp Baking powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
2tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup Lavender buds-if omitting molasses in the summer time
2 eggs beaten
If making a cake in a pan--this frosting is the BEST due tot he dryness of the cake:
3 cups icing sugar
7 tbsp soft butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 pinch salt
Sprinkle lavender buds on top.
Instructions:
Grease pan or mold if using something like i did with the small acorns above.
mix all of the wet ingredients along with eggs together
add butter and mix
Lastly mix dry ingredients together and sift into wet mixture adding spices
Bake at 350 for approx 40 mins or until a knife comes out clean.
Add frosting and enjoy!
making Acorn Flour
I have to admit that I myself have never made acorn flour and have only bought it already made, however one day I just may get around to it and if I do, these instructions are as good as any I have seen.
Resources:
Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros
How to make acorn flour:
http://honest-food.net/2013/09/26/acorn-flour-recipe-cold-process
Where to buy it:
http://buyacornflour.com
A great recipe:
http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/2011/11/acorn-chocolate-chip-cookies
Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros
How to make acorn flour:
http://honest-food.net/2013/09/26/acorn-flour-recipe-cold-process
Where to buy it:
http://buyacornflour.com
A great recipe:
http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/2011/11/acorn-chocolate-chip-cookies